The 1858 Act of Parliament that authorised the Corris, Machynlleth & River Dovey Tramroad included the Ty Cam branch which ran from Aberllefenni to Ratgoed.

After the closure of the Corris Railway, the Ratgoed Tramway continued to provide the only transport link between the quarry and the transhipment point at Aberllefenni.

The tramway ran almost due south, to a passing loop at the foot of the exit incline down from Ratgoed Quarry.

The tramway continued south, past Ffynnon Badarn farm, the turning to run briefly south-west before resuming a southerly course and following the curves of Nant Ceiswyn.

It curved gently to the east in a cutting above the river and on the opposite bank to the main Cymerau mill and waste tips.

Continuing on a tall slate embankment, the line headed south past the Aberllefenni mill reservoir and quarry office, and passing behind Pensarn, the main terrace of cottages in the village.

Dropping steeply, it ended just north of Aberllefenni station where it joined the formal terminus of the Corris Railway.

Loaded slate wagons would then return to Aberllefenni by gravity - the line was laid on a consistent falling gradient.

As well as slate traffic from Ratgoed and Cymerau quarries, the line served the farms and houses along Cwm Ceiswyn, supplying coal and goods to them.

Informal passenger services ran regularly on the tramway, with people riding in the open slate waggons.